Bridging the Gap: ATU Black Caucus Unites for 58th Annual Conference in Maryland
With the theme Bridging the Gap—Education, Union, and Progress, the ATU’s Black Caucus kicked off its 58th Annual Conference in May. More than 300 members from across North America came to Maryland to discuss critical issues and ensure our Black brothers, sisters, and members were well represented.
Opening Day: A Powerful Call to Action
After ATU Black Caucus President Jeffrey Richardson, President/Business Agent, Local 1342-Buffalo, NY, kicked off the conference with host Locals 689-Washington, DC, and 1300-Baltimore, MD, International President John Costa fired up the Caucus with a call and response of “Who are We? ATU!” and then delivered a moving speech. “It’s truly an honor to join you for this powerful gathering. The ATU Black Caucus has long stood as a vital bridge, connecting our past to our future, our struggles to our triumphs, through education, unity, and progress,” said Costa. “This weekend, we come together not only to celebrate but to carry forward the legacy of those who came before us. Inspire each other. Lift each other up. And never stop pushing forward.”
Inspiring Voices and Leadership in Attendance
Attendees then heard from Prince George’s County State Attorney and Candidate for Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. Nominations were also made for the officers of the ATU International Black Caucus. Joining Costa for the Caucus meeting were International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, and International Vice Presidents Marcellus Barnes, Gary Johnson, Curtis Howard, Anthony Garland, Amanda Sawyer-Turner, Mark Henry, and Ken Day.
Day Two: Performances, Presentations, and Purpose
To start day two, members were treated to a beautiful performance by Fearless Empire Dance Group and a special presentation by Costa regarding the 61st Convention in New York City in August. Throughout the day, members heard about the origin and purpose of the Black Caucus, the current state of the Union, and how to organize for power. These workshops, strategy sessions, and heartfelt conversations reminded us why we do this work—not just for ourselves, but for every worker who deserves dignity, equity, and a voice on the job. The energy in the room was electric, grounded in determination, and focused on action. Elections were also held for Caucus officers, which Costa had the honor to install.
Elections Usher in New Era of Leadership
Congratulations to the new ATU International Black Caucus President Karima Howard (Local 85-Pittsburgh, PA), Vice President Robin Ward (Local 1300-Baltimore, MD), Financial Secretary Chantel Daniels-Jones (Local 1197-Jacksonville, FL), Recording Secretary Raynell Reed (Local 689-Washington, DC), and the seven regional representatives including West Coast Tommy McGill (Local 192-Oakland, CA), Midwest Pennie McCoach (Local 308-Chicago, IL), Southeast Patricia Giles (Local 732-Atlanta, GA), Southwest Valerie Jefferson (Local 1560-New Orleans, LA), Northwest Rose Jordan Fairley (Local 757-Portland, OR), Northeast Sellers Corey Davis (Local 726-Staten Island, NY), and Canada Grace Udoh (Local 113-Toronto, ON).
A Weekend of Unity, Strategy, and Progress
United in purpose, driven by progress — the ATU International Black Caucus meeting in Maryland was a powerful testament to the strength and unity of our ATU family. Members and leaders from across North America came together to celebrate our legacy, confront the challenges we face, and chart a bold path forward.
Gratitude to all the organizers, speakers, and members who made this event a success. It was a great weekend for Black Excellence in the ATU!